Hostelworld Press Room

Eco Friendly Hostels

April 22, 2009

The perfect getaway for Earth Day April 22nd 2009

Each year Earth Day is celebrated to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth's environment. More than ever before citizens and businesses alike are increasingly aware of the immediate need for conservation and "greening" our lifestyles to save our fragile planet and hostels are no exception.

So if you are thinking about getting away this year, but worried about the impact on the planet, and your pocket, Hostelworld.com has the perfect solution. To coincide with World Earth Day 2009, they have released the most eco-friendly hostels from across the globe.

GyreumSligo, IrelandDirect from Middle-Earth and nestled snugly in the Irish countryside, this solar and wind powered hobbit-hole is constructed from renewable resources, including sheep wool insulation and a "living roof." Designed with a reverence to the natural world, the structure aligns to the dawns & dusks of the summer and winter solstices when beams of light enter into the great central hall. During the day, ocean-loving guests can carry their shortboard past the hostel's organic garden to some of the best surfing beaches in Ireland. Landlubbers can trek in their Birkenstocks across the rich landscape that inspired Yeats, searching the nearby hills for hidden pubs that serve their own inspiration by the pint.

Sleepzone ConnemaraGalway, IrelandProbably one of the most spectacularly situated hostels anywhere in Western Europe, Sleepzone Connemara offers guests environmentally sound accommodation. Solar panels are fully installed, electricity is wind-generated, all light-bulbs and shower-heads are being changed to the most energy-efficient kind. and all glass, paper, cardboard and aluminium is recycled. So your relaxing break in the West of Ireland can leave your conscious clean knowing you'll be doing your bit for the environment while at the same time not compromising on the comfort that Sleepzone Connemara brings to all its guests.

Omagh HostelOmagh, Northern IrelandThis small remote family run hostel offers visitors the warmest of welcomes along with the greenest of accommodations evidenced when they became the worthy recipient of the prestigious EU Flower Ecolabel in the tourist accommodation category. From their extensive recycling, composting and green purchasing policy to the use of low energy lighting and even environmentally friendly reed beds makes this hostel as green as the country it is part of!

Liverpool International InnLiverpool, EnglandHoused in former a Victorian warehouse the International Inn is committed to Green Tourism and promoting eco friendly policies at every opportunity. With a choice of shared or private rooms, all with their own "green guide", the hostel offers modern facilities combined with a tremendous character. Holding the Silver award for Green Tourism the Liverpool International Inn's philosophy is Reduce Reuse Recycle!

Reykjavik City HostelReykjavik, IcelandIceland is a country steeped in natural beauty, from tremendous icecaps and explosive geysers to steaming solfataras and magnificent waterfalls. Reykjavik City Hostel, one of the capital's top hostels, has received awards for both its responsible treatment of nature and its excellence in service and quality. Located next to one of the great geothermal swimming holes in the city, this hostel promotes energy monitoring, erosion control and extensive recycling services, while offering its pampered guests high-speed internet access, laundry service and fully equipped kitchens.

Hostelling International Washington DCWashington DC, USAThis hostel just eight blocks from the White House is one of the greenest hostels in North America and is committed to being a positive force on environmental issues. The hostel is Energy Star certified and each floor has its own recycling centre where they promote the recycling of aluminum, glass, paper and plastic. But that's not all…the paper used at reception is recycled; compact fluorescent light bulbs are used throughout the hostel and the soap used in the kitchen is environmentally friendly. They even show documentaries on environmental topics once a month. If you feel the people at the White House aren't doing their bit to help the environment but you want to help when you are in town, make sure to stay here.

HI-MontréalMontreal, CanadaLocated in the heart of downtown Montreal, this environmentally-focused hostel uses new ecological and biodegradable cleaning products and low energy-consuming light bulbs. Making various ecological alternatives available to all guests, the hostel provides information on public transportation and car-pooling, as well as reusable grocery bags and equitably and biologically produced coffee. However, their eco-conscious attitude does not stop at the hostel's front door. HI-Montreal uses suppliers sensitive to environmental causes, ensuring their impact on the environment is minimal.

Botanical Villas CampgroundSt. John, US Virgin IslandsChannel your inner Swiss Family Robinson with a stay at the Botanical Villas, home to environmentally friendly tree houses that overlook the ocean and pristine St. John beaches. Guests can also chose from a variety of ecotents that allow for greater privacy but provide the natural feeling of being outdoors. Those seeking more traditional accommodations can enjoy the quietness and seclusion of Peters Bay in one of the campground's cabins. All options are geared to environmentally-conscious travelers that want to experience the natural beauty of the islands while reducing their eco-footprint.

Enigmata Treehouse EcolodgeCamiguin, PhilippinesChannel your inner Swiss Family Robinson with a stay in this state-of-the-art treehouse, overlooking the ocean and surrounded by white beaches, soaring waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. Operated by a vibrant artist and environmental protection group known as the Enigmata Creative Circle, the treehouse's existence and operation is a testament to environmental awareness, offering biodiversity workshops and conservation seminars. Visitors can dine in the outdoor garden among the blooming rain trees or spend an evening in the treetop bar and lounge, gazing at the stars. Those seeking personal reflection can retire to the poolside poets' nook or the meditation corner perched atop the treehouse.

Grampians YHA Eco-HostelGrampians, AustraliaSituated in Grampians National Park, the YHA Eco Hostel is the epitome of eco-friendly living, utilizing solar hot water and state-of-the-art energy and water conservation techniques to reduce consumption to approximately 50 percent of the standard hostel. Free-range eggs are available from the resident chickens and seasonal organically grown herbs, vegetables and fruit tantalize the senses. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, Grampians offers its guests park tours, camping and fishing expeditions and, not for the faint of heart, rock climbing and rappelling excursions. For those who prefer serenity to adrenaline, there are wine tastings and constant views of the native wildlife meandering through the hostel's landscaped gardens. At dusk, kangaroos congregate to eat on the hostel lawn.

Hostel One66Singapore, Singaporeeep in the heart of Singapore, one of South-East Asia's most popular cities with travellers, Hostel One66 has decorated its hostel with uniquely recycled materials. The signboard at the entrance is made from a discarded PVC door and children play mat, the lamp is an unwanted Keorsense lamp converted into an electric lamp, while the table holding their computer is a recycled sewing-machine table so you can exercise your legs while on the internet making it the healthiest way to surf the net! The local newspapers have called it "The Karung guni Hostel", 'Karung guni' meaning rag and bone men who pay you a small fee for your unwanted stuff.

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